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Increase Firefighter Staffing

Increase Firefighter Staffing

498 signatures 2 to reach 500
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John D. signed
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Celeste J. signed
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Lanna S. signed
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Nick S. signed
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Isaac B. signed
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Aaron R. signed
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Frank P. signed
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Alice M. signed
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Jennifer M. signed
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Molly Y. signed
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Started by Greater York Professional Firefighters Local 2377 4 months, 4 weeks ago

Increase firefighter staffing in Springettsbury, Spring Garden, and Manchester Townships.

Springettsbury Township Stations are UNDERSTAFFED by (4) Firefighters

Spring Garden Township Stations are UNDERSTAFFED by (7) Firefighters

Manchester Township Stations are UNDERSTAFFED by (4) Firefighters

National Standards are (4) personnel at a minimum

York Area United Fire & Rescue want us to have (3)

(2) is our minimum...

As firefighters serving the communities of Springettsbury, Spring Garden, and Manchester Townships, we can personally attest to the critical nature of having adequate staffing for emergency responses. Every call we respond to affects not only our safety but also the safety of the citizens we serve. We know what the job requires, how many hands it truly takes, and unfortunately, what it feels like to be short-staffed when lives are on the line.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends a minimum of four firefighters on all response unit for effective incident management. However, our current staffing levels fall short of this, posing additional risks during fire and medical emergencies.

Understaffing means fewer firefighters on the initial response team, and can lead to critical tasks taking longer to complete, potentially resulting in delayed interventions that can increase property loss and, most crucially, endanger both firefighters and citizens. Our response times and the efficiency of our coordination have direct impacts on the effectiveness of emergency management and the outcomes for those in need.

For citizens, this issue is equally personal. Your safety depends on how quickly and effectively we can respond to your calls for help. More personnel equate to quicker response times, better coordination, and improved chances of saving lives and property.

We urge the local government and responsible entities to take immediate action to rectify this staffing shortage. By increasing the number of firefighters available per shift, we can ensure the safety and well-being of our community while adhering to the recommended safety standards.

If you're a resident, business owner, or tax payer in any of the (3) Townships, please join us in advocating for safer, more effective emergency response services by signing this petition. Your support is crucial for the wellbeing of our firefighters and the safety of our community. The elected officials say we need the communities support to be safe. Help make us and you safer!

Updates

Reached 500 supporters

June 15, 2026

Reached 250 supporters

March 15, 2026

Reached 100 supporters

March 11, 2026

117 Comments

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Anonymous
3 months ago Featured

As someone who has family serving in YAUFR it is a huge concern for their safety. As someone who lives in the area YAUFR serves, its scary to know that poor staffing is a huge reason that an emergency is more likely to be deadly.

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Nicole daacke
3 months ago Featured

It’s insane to comprehend we currently only have 2 fire fighters at times entering burning buildings and expect them to be able to help others, let alone be able to save themselves if something were to happen. Don’t be cheap, you have the money. Do the right thing and invest in our community services.

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Ron Miles
4 months ago Featured

As someone who served as a volunteer with York Area United Fire and Rescue i can tell you first hand how important and crucial it is to have more than one two people on an engine or truck

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Christopher Swingle
4 months ago Featured

It’s 2026, fire load and light weight construction are not in the FD’s favor like 1970. Fires burn hotter and faster. By not increasing staffing you not only put the residents and visitors at risk but you are risking the lives of firefighters YOU employ.

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Kerry Herman
4 months ago Featured

Definitely need more staffing our lives depend on on it and we pay taxes for it. I’m not a big fan that 89-5 may respond to my house from 89-1 if they are all the way out there from my location. I understand training with everyone but it puts a long delay on the response my area

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Jon Spencer
4 months ago Featured

All of the studies that have been done over the years and paid for by the taxpayers all come back saying the same thing…understaffed. Taxes have even been decreased in the township. There’s money there, it’s just a matter of where it gets allocated.

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John Dommel Verified
1 month ago

Employees are the most valuable assets the department has. To send them out short handed to do their job is not only irresponsible but dangerous. Other departments send their trucks out with 4 firefighters which has reduced workers comp injuries and claims.

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Isaac Burke Verified
1 month ago

I live in the township and have personally have done ride along with this department and see what the benefit could be for increased staffing.

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